the guys go shopping!

today was an eventful day

had the physical home inspection
on coca

got to do over 30minutes of cardio
@ the gym

did not make it to physical therapy

took paul and the kids out to
look for their new home
and it was so cool that paul
wore my his picconi shirt

i had to take their pic!!!
(do you blame me!)

still @ the office
made an offer on a home in rancho
hope so much that we can get it to work
i think it's absolutely as perfect as we can get!
(honest)

also, got to speak with a dear client
who's battling cancer very bravely,
i may add. it was great to speak w/
you stanley and my thoughts and
prayers, and laughter about your jokes
(and the bunny in the frig) are with
you.

well, i'd better sign off
or i'll never get out of here

still working on closing out a file
and tomorrow hopefully another
closes


gotta get more listings

work work toddy
night!!

this weeks top 20 travel deals!

hey!

get out of town now!

this is an order or
i may have to go for you!!

;)))))))))))~~~~

$129 -- Luxury Suites in Las Vegas
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242082
Source: The Venetian

$499 -- Paris: 4 Nights & Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241677
Source: Maison de la France

$59 -- Intro Fare between L.A. & San Francisco
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241746
Source: Frontier Airlines

$338 & up -- Sandals Resorts Packages up to 55% OFF
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242215
Source: Sandals Resorts

$358 -- England from New York (R/T), in June/July
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242009
Source: Orbitz

$129 -- Costa Rica from Dallas (Roundtrip!)
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242159
Source: Worry-Free Vacations

$79 -- Colorado Golf Package in June (per person)
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242243
Source: Keystone Resort

$689 -- Upscale Mayan Riviera All-Inclusive Vacation w/Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242030
Source: CheapCaribbean.com

$1849 -- South America 14-Night Cruise w/Air ($1000 OFF)http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242164
Source: CruCon Cruise Outlet

$119 -- Arizona 4-Star Hotel this July/August
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242107
Source: Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa

$109 -- Denver to/from Boston (Roundtrip!)
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242283
Source: American Airlines

$999 -- Australia "AirPass" Extended into July-September
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242114
Source: Tourism Australia

$59 -- Cincinnati Hotel at Half-OFF
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242027
Source: Millennium Hotel Cincinnati

$399 -- Barbados 7-Night Vacation incl. Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242208
Source: Discount Vacations

$115 -- Monterey (California) B&B Package
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242008
Source: Casa Munras Hotel

$99 -- San Francisco to/from Detroit (each way)
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242298
Source: Spirit Airlines

$599 -- 10-Night Caribbean Cruise from New York
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242108
Source: Travelocity

$143 -- Charleston Family Getaway Package for 4
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242075
Source: Francis Marion Hotel

$69 -- Between Chicago & New York (each way)
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242317
Source: American Airlines

$1099 -- Argentina & Brazil Waterfalls 10-Night Tour Package
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101242223
Source: Traveland

THEY MAY BE FAMOUS

BUT THE PERSON IS NEVER AROUND....

QUESTION FOR TONIGHT:

WHO WORKS HARDER

REALTORS OR FASHION DESIGNERS?

growing old w/dogs

got this from my great friend and client,
Christine (Gorgeous!!)....thanx Gorgeous!!

Grow Old With Dogs

When I am old...
I will wear soft gray sweatshirts...
and a bandana over my silver hair.....
and I will spend my social security checks on wine and my dogs.

I will sit in my house on my well-worn chair
and listen to my dogs' breathing.
I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer night
and take my dogs for a run,
if my old bones will allow...

When people come to call,I will smile
and nod as I show them my dogs...
and talk of them and about them.......

the ones so beloved of the pastand
the ones so beloved of today....

I will still work hard cleaning after them,
mopping and feeding them and whispering
their names in a soft loving way.

I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat,
like a jewel and I will
be an embarrassment to all...
especially my family...
who have not yet found the peacein
being free to have dogs as your best friends....

These friends who always wait,
at any hour, for your footfall...
and eagerly jump to their feet out
of a sound sleep, to greet you as
if you are a God.

With warm eyes full of adoring love and hope
that you will always stay, I'll hug
their big strong necks ...

I'll kiss their dear sweet heads...
and whisper in their very special company....

I look in the Mirror...and see I am getting old....
this is the kind of person I am...
and have always been.

Loving dogs is easy,
they are part of me.

Please accept me for who I am.
My dogs appreciate my presence in their lives...
they love my presence in their lives......

When I am old this will be important to me...
you will understand when you are old....
if you have dogs to love too.

~Author Unknown

influction lessons in my dream

morning

it was so funny this morning

when i got up

i woke from a voice influction lesson
that i was having
in my dream!!!

the coach said you do pretty well, todd

it's just you should mix it up

you start off jazz, jazz, blues,
hip hop, house, hip hop, hip hop, hip hop

and he went on to say
i should change around the styles
of how i talk more
so people would find it more
interesting.

funny, i know, but true??

don't know what the dream means
thought it was funny that 'music types'
were the way that my voice was
described in the dream

working right now and
then am going to get some r & r


have i said that my backyard looks great?

just have to move around some of the furniture and lighting,
but the true 'hardscape'
came out great


thanks again, papa!!


(he did a great job
getting it done, being part of
the solution and also
just taking control and taught
me more of how to let go
in the process)

ciao ciao and happy day everyone ;)

raising children is not for kids

had some thoughts today
about how much work
and joyful pleasure
one receives from
raising children

you must be ready to say
"goodbye" to your selfish
days of me, myself and i.

also, you have to remember
you are responsible for another
human being's life....talk about
being worried about your
sick dog or cat! this is no
greasy kidstuff! lol

seriously though.....i watch my clients
with their kids and making decisions
taking into full account their children,
the schools, the neighborhood, and
so many little details...is the bedroom too
far away from my room (?)....and the
list goes on

i am so grateful to see that side of
life.....it's refreshing to see all
the great parents this world really
has to offer.

i know that watching clients and friends
with their kids, holds up a mirror
to my own childhood and all the
careful, well~thought out, and sometimes
maybe not so well~thought out plans
that go into making life-impacting
decisions

congratulations to all the wonderful
parents out there!!

also, special thanx to my own dad
who has not always had it easy
(more on that another time)

enjoy your weekend
whatever or wherever
you may find yourself.

taking the kids to the movies?

beach? the park?

maybe just chill @ home
and avoid the traffic

be safe and bye for now

todd

here are my new bookmarks and ties!!

no lunch, but dinner!!

i didn't get to eat lunch today
but dinner was wonderful!

had dinner w/realtor, kirk, and
one of my best friends

we ate @ the new york grill and
it was really good

i had oso bucco
and he had prime rib (almost raw! lol)

nice to catch up
we haven't had a chance
both being realtors and not
living nearby anymore

he looks great
he's a year and four months
without smoking and you can
really see the difference
in his complexion (sp?)

anyway things are a bit slow
in his area...also, just like here

i think we're just in a more normal marketplace
nowadays, so it may take 30-60-90 days to sell a home
unless, of course, it's highly in demand for the views
or condition, or ?

well, that's all for now....thanks, kirk, for the fun!!

most expensive homes on the market....

Click here: Most Expensive Homes in the U.S.

my horoscope today

May 27: New Moon in Gemini, Sun sextile Saturn


When it comes to having 'that chat' -- you know, the one you've been anticipating for quite some time -- it's easy to see that choosing the right time is going to be very important to you. Well, guess what? It's time. The new Moon -- the perfect time for new beginnings -- will be exact today, for starters, and it's going to be in Gemini, the chattiest sign out there.

But wait -- there's more! The Sun, also in communicative Gemini, will hook up in most pleasant fashion with serious Saturn, the trustworthiest planet in the heavens. These two are also the two planets astrologers look to for authoritative decisions. So if you've got one of those to make, have no fear: All the cosmic lights are as green as they could possibly be.

This new Moon will most affect Geminis born May 25-29, Virgos born August 27-31, Sagittarians born November 26-30 and Pisceans born March 23-27.

new bookmarks

hi again

forgot to tell you that i did my
new bookmarks last night
after i got home

they are pretty fun

if you'd like one, let me know
i can mail or give to you
the next time i see or visit
with you

ciao ciao

p.s. had a new bracelet
idea that i'm doing this weekend

kinda fun

i'll have to get a pic
lol

sat am

hi there!

good morning

just had a chance to check
our weekend weather

here it is if you need it:

http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/USCA1179.html


also, i hope to see my longtime realtor
friend, kirk!!!!

we haven't seen each other in about 6 months
and we hardly talk anymore
since we are both busy w/our realtor lives

he used to work w/me @ my company
but now manages his own office
in the high desert

anyway, we will have our Christmas lunch
or dinner, whatever works today?

never got my new business cards
so got irritated over it
they couldn't find me
or something
fedex just was not good to me
this week.

well gotta go catch my day
or it will run off without me!

keep your mind busy

hi again!!

guess i'm trying to keep my mind busy...lol

i'm still @ work and trying to closeout
and complete my paperwork
on the palmetto file

seems there's a leak in the garage
that nobody knew about

the buyer's agent is of course, gone,
out of town and so they called me
and wanted me to fix it...

i, of course, not knowing anything
about it, was able to call my a/c guy/
plumber and i think he's going over there
tomorrow (mostly as a favor to me ~ i'd think,
since it's a holiday weekend, right?!)

anyway, i'm grateful to have so much
to do on a friday night....maybe i'll have
lots to do tomorrow night too!?!!!

happy early birthday, jessica!!!

papa's birthday

it was papa's birthday today
his 65th

i got to spend some quality time
with my family, which i'm grateful for!!

then back to work i am
@ the office

the weather pretty much sux
all day today, very gray and
was drizzly this am.

maybe tomorrow will be better?

has anyone gotten to the beach
or the desert lately?

i'm wondering if it's sunny anywhere
in so cal right now?

worked on an upcoming listing
to maybe double~end it
this weekend, we shall see.

if not, i think i can sell it
fairly quickly because of the
location for actually more...but
it would be so nice for my client
to get it now for less, as is....

gotta make more calls
and get out of here eventually

~~here are some pics from lunch
this pm....ciao!

paul, aaron and joseph

got to show homes tonight
to paul and the kids

here they are outside the office

paul,
thank you for the opportunity
to assist you again!!
i'll do my best to get
the right home
for you and yours.

in other news...
palmetto may be closing tomorrow
or tuesday, also acacia hopefully wednesday
and things seem to be progressing well
on diamond, darlene and coca

hope you have a great weekend
everyone!!

bye joseph and aaron!!!

fast facts

(this pic was the coolest!!!)

Fast Facts


Calif. median home price - March 06: $561,350
(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region March 06:
Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,190,000
(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region March 06:
High Desert $326,710
(Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 5/18:

30-yr. fixed: 6.6%; Fees/points: 0.5%
15-yr. fixed: 6.2%; Fees/points: 0.5%
1-yr. adjustable: 5.62%; Fees/points: 0.7%

(Source: Freddie Mac)

**taken from the california association of realtors bulletin, dated may 25, 2006.

u.s. leading index declines

The U.S. leading index, a key barometer of economic conditions, declined 0.1 percent to 138.9 (1996=100) in April, The Conference Board recently reported.

Three of the 10 indicators composing the leading index increased last month, including vendor performance, stock prices, and interest rate spread. Despite the decline, the leading index suggests moderate economic growth should continue in the coming months, according to the report.

The coincident and lagging indices, which reflect current and past economic activity, respectively, increased in April.

The coincident index edged up 0.2 percent to 122.6, while the lagging index rose 0.3 percent to 122.8.

**taken from the california association of realtors bulletin, dated may 25, 2006.

use of internet by all home buyers rises

The Internet buyer has become the "typical" home buyer over the last few years, according to C.A.R.'s "2006 Internet Versus Traditional Buyer Survey."

Since 2001, the share of home buyers using the Internet as an integral part of the home-buying process has nearly doubled to 70 percent. More than 50 percent of Internet buyers said the information they gathered from the Internet was less useful than that provided by their REALTORS®, and none considered the information gathered from the Internet to be more useful than that obtained from their REALTORS®, according to the report.

Additionally, Internet buyers are accustomed to receiving more frequent communication and faster response times from their REALTORS®."

The Internet is changing the dynamics between buyers and their agents, as well as the way business is conducted throughout the real estate industry. However, while the Internet has become an important research tool for home buyers, it has only enhanced the REALTOR®'s role in the transaction," said C.A.R. President Vince Malta.

"Buyers continue to rely on their REALTOR® for help with interpreting the information gathered from the Internet and to guide them through the home-buying process.

"C.A.R.'s "2006 Internet Versus Traditional Buyer Survey" is available for purchase in electronic format for $19.95 for C.A.R. members and $39.95 for non-members and in hard copy format for $24.95 for C.A.R. members and $49.95 for non-members by calling (213) 739-8227 or logging on to www.rebsreports.com.

**taken from the california association of realtors bulletin, dated may 25, 2006.

addictions and tough love?

hello

kinda down this afternoon a bit
off and on....someone very close
to me has been actually addicted
to something for over 2 years now
and it's gotten pretty bad.

have you ever seen anyone you
love and care about have almost
like "the monster" (that's what
we'll call the addiction) come
and pretty much take over that
person's being?

it's very painful to watch....besides
draining, feelings of helplessness...etc.

i've come to the conclusion today
to confront the person and suggest
that they get the most expensive kind
of help that they can get....short of
quitting their addiction cold turkey.

i'm concerned for many reasons....
and it's been tapping into my
powerless and bringing up issues
from when i lost my mother...

so, yah, kinda hard, but hey, what
in life isn't?

i'll survive.....that's a song right?

hope you have a great rest of the
day...i'm showing properties tonight
and hopefully getting my new biz
cards....

also, going to figure out a way
to get my fliers to hang outside
the condo door @ turner...i really
need to get that condo sold...
luckily my client is not hurried....
at this time....

maybe i will double ~ end it?

i will be listing a home near
your old ontario one soon....hopefully
(you know who you are!) lol

we'll see

happy day guys and gurls!!

loan document types

Got this from one of my lenders that I refer to
my clients and wanted to share it with you...
Great Info on Different Programs and
the documentation they require....

@ the office doing a "go see" but the client
brought the stuff to me....hope I get the listing
ciao ciao and happy thursday!!!


Here's a comprehensive reference guide to loan documents used in today's market:

Full Income/Full Asset: A Full Doc loan requires asset, employment and income documentation and verification. Two months' worth of bank statements satisfies the asset verification requirement. For income verification, the requirement is one month's payroll check stubs, two years' tax returns and W-2 forms.

Alt Document: Requires two months' bank statements, one month's payroll check stubs and two years' W-2 forms.

Full Income/Stated Asset: Income is verified on the 1003 (standard loan application). Verification of two years' employment is required along with tax returns and W-2 forms. Assets are stated on and included on the loan application. No bank statements or any other paperwork is required or verified.

Stated Income/Full Asset: The income is stated on the 1003 and included on the loan application. It must be reasonable for the vocation of the borrower. No payroll check stubs, tax returns or W-2 forms are collected, but employment is verified for a minimum two-year period. Full documentation of assets is required.

No Ratio: Income is not disclosed or verified on the loan application. Verification of employment for a minimum two-year period is required and verified. Full asset documentation is required.

Stated Income/Stated Asset: Income is stated on the loan application; no verification is collected. Verification of employment for a minimum two-year period is required. Assets are also included and stated, but not verified on the loan application. No bank statements or any other paperwork is required.

No Income/No Asset: Employment is required and verified, butno asset verification or income information is on the application.

No Doc: No asset, income or employment verification of any kindis in file or on the application, nor are they verified.

**compliments of Karen Vogel/American Home Mortgage...909.466.1290 ext. 118

you deserve what you expect...

i once saw a quote that said that

a friend of mine had that on her
bathroom mirror at her home
and when i saw it...i thought,
even though that's kinda hard
for me to follow, it's really right!

i find this quote helpful when i'm
contemplating a change in my life
somehow....maybe you will too...

gotta go walk now....just got in and
need to clear my head....forearm is hurting
had physical therapy and they worked it
hard....bye for now...

THIS WEEK'S TOP 20 TRAVEL DEALS

$209-$239 -- Bahamas 3 & 4-Night Cruises
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241290
Source: Royal Caribbean

$39 & up -- Systemwide Summer Sale Between 50 Cities http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101240756
Source: AirTran Airways

$99 -- Luxurious Florida Resort w/Unlimited Golf
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101240596
Source: PGA National Resort & Spa

$79 -- Cancun from Dallas (Roundtrip!)
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Source: Worry-Free Vacations

$109 -- London Hotel w/FREE Upgrade, 50% OFF
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Source: The Hotel at Chelsea

$109 -- Boutique NYC Moroccan-Themed Hotel
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241173
Source: The Marrakech Hotel

$705 -- Fly to New Zealand in June (Roundtrip)
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241263
Source: Air New Zealand

$59 -- Las Vegas 4-Diamond Hotel w/$40 Credit
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241232
Source: Expedia.com

$599 -- 7-Night Caribbean Cruise in July, $200 OFF
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241210
Source: CruisesOnly

$109 -- San Francisco Hotel near Union Square (Reg. $249)http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101240858
Source: Sir Francis Drake Hotel

$59 -- Los Cabos All-Inclusive Beachfront Resort
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241414
Source: BookIt.com

$50 -- Fly between New York & Boston (each way)
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241308
Source: JetBlue Airways

$109 -- Washington D.C. Hotel, 50% OFF
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101240606
Source: Hyatt Regency Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill

$189 -- Washington D.C. from Los Angeles (R/T), Next Weekend http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241258
Source: American Airlines

$99 -- Sausalito (CA) Historic Inn w/Spa Discount
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101240573
Source: Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa

$577 -- Oceanview Cabin on Upscale 7-Night Mexico Cruise
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241268
Source: CruiseBrothers.com

$339 & up -- Cancun 7-Night Packages incl. Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241314
Source: Expedia.com

$199 -- California Oceanfront Resort w/Breakfast (Reg. $300)http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101240870
Source: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

$98-$196 -- Memorial Day Weekend Sale from 20+ Cities (R/T)http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241311
Source: United Airlines

$699 -- Rio de Janeiro: 5 Nights & Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?nd=101241310
Source: Gate 1 Travel

SOME MEMORIAL DAY HISTORY FOR YA...

Monday, May 29 is Memorial Day!

Did You Know?

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day to remember those who have died in our nation's service. After the Civil War many people in the North and South decorated graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.

The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873.

Decoration Day was proclaimed by General John Logan on May 5, 1868 and was first observed on May 30, 1868.


***courtesy of karen vogel @ american home mortgage....
THANK YOU KAREN!!

for a great loan/refi, call karen!!

American Home Mortgage
9227 Haven Avenue, Suite 200
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Work Phone: 909-466-1290 Ext. 118
Fax: 866-896-6595
Toll Free: 888-466-1290

email: Karen.Vogel@americanhm.com

(ISN'T SHE CUTE???!!!!)

madonna's opening...

got to experience ms. m herself
this week.....what a showgirl she
still is!!

the opening act was my favorite....
like a las vegas extravaganza which
led to the eventual unveiling of
the superstar herself!

she was very polished, friendly,
looked to be having a great time,
concentrating on her every move
and still being present to her
many fans....(la forum)

the hanging on the cross with thorn
crown around her head was "over the
top" for me....but i know by now, it's
entertainment, and she's trying to send
a message, which is not always obvious
(especially when first experiencing
the SHOCKING visuals which she has
become known for).

overall, it was worth the money
and if someone asked me if they should
see it, i would say, if they like her new album,
(alot of it is in the 22 songs, 2 hour extravaganza)
and if they are a visual, they would definitely
enjoy the artistry madonna has created
for her "confessions tour".

.....best part is that she's such a
legend....and has come from a small town
in michigan/middle class upbringing....

she definitely has "conquered" the world...as
i remember she once told dick clark on
american bandstand that she intended
or "wanted" to do.

banana rama

my friend, kevin, met
bananarama on friday
@ borders in long beach

"i heard a rumour!!!"

offer on darlene

good morning!!

finalizing offer on darlene
or just reviewing/copying/etc
and opening new escrow on it
this morning

on my way to the gym soon!

meditating...

hi there!

how was your weekend?

thinking to start meditating
about 10-15 minutes a day
to try to get myself more
"centered" and "at one"
(don't laugh!)

looks like darlene is
sold and that it hopefully
will work out with the
new buyers

we are beginning our search
for the sellers of darlene later
this week....yeah!!

also, have an offer on coca
we are trying to finalize tomorrow
hopefully we'll get it together (;

turner got a few showings today
too, which is awesome....nobody
called on my ad for it though!
(not on coca, either!)

starting to wonder if it even
pays to advertise in the newspaper
anymore? it's been like this for
a while, but this is the most
consistent that it's been
that i don't get calls

either a larger ad or ?

anyway, gotta shower

tonight desperate housewives
finale (season finale) is on...
fun fun fun
and kooky, kooky, i'm sure!
night!!

rain tonight??

boom over?

Boom May Be Over, But Landing Will Be Soft(May 19, 2006) --

WASHINGTON – The five-year boom in home sales may be over, but strong demographics and job growth promise only a short-term slowdown in most U.S. markets, NAR’s Chief Economist David Lereah told REALTORS® at Thursday’s Economic Issues & Residential Real Estate Business Trends Forum.

His presentation took place during the 2006 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Speculators and rising interest rates have ended the largest acceleration ever in existing-home prices, but the process is “a needed cleansing” that will help restore balance, said Lereah.

Nationally, homes appreciated a remarkable 12.5 percent on average in 2005. Appreciation for 2006 will cool to 5.7 percent. But even with the slowdown, 2006 will be the fourth best year ever for residential real estate sales with an estimated 6.62 million existing homes sold, Lereah noted.

In 2007, Lereah expects to see existing-home sales rise slightly to 6.7 million units but appreciation to slow to 4.2 percent. To help the industry track performance, NAR’s Research Department is working to develop a real-time pricing tool, “a real estate ticker,” that will update national average home prices every 15 minutes based on data from MLSs, Lereah told the crowd.

To some degree, the next year or two will be “a tale of two cities,” said Lereah. Cities such as San Diego, Miami, and Naples, Fla., that have seen high price appreciation will see sharp drops in sales. Already, between first quarter 2005 and first quarter 2006, existing-home sales declined by 15 percent to 20 percent in Florida, California, and Arizona, he said.

On the other hand, markets that didn’t see exuberant appreciation during the boom are actually experiencing shorter days on market. Lereah pointed to Charlotte, Dallas, and St. Louis as examples of this trend. Even declining markets should remain healthy as long as they have diversified economies and strong job growth, he said. “As long as days on the market don’t extend beyond six months, there’s no need to be concerned,” he said. The possible exception might be California, where a high number of adjustable-rate and interest-only mortgage loans might combine with a price downturn to create problems.

Other possible clouds on the real estate horizon: inflation, high oil prices, and rising interest rates. Yet, Lereah said he doesn’t expect a recession. Strong business spending and a sound economy that should grow 3.5 percent in 2006 promise a positive outlook for real estate. And mortgage interest rates should stay low; Lereah said he expects two more rate hikes from the Federal Reserve in 2006, but rates won’t rise above 7 percent for the year.

“The real estate market got ahead of itself, but now we’re going back to fundamentals and a more balanced market,” he concluded.

— By Mariwyn Evans for REALTOR® Magazine Online

THANKS FOR SHARING, JOHN!!

fast facts for this week ;)

Calif. median home price - March 06:
$561,350
(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region March 06:
Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,190,000
(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region March 06:
High Desert $326,710
(Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 5/11:

30-yr. fixed: 6.58%; Fees/points: 0.5%
15-yr. fixed: 6.17%; Fees/points: 0.5%
1-yr. adjustable: 5.62%; Fees/points: 0.7%
(Source: Freddie Mac)

**taken from the california association of realtors bulletin, dated may 17, 2006.

california foreclosure activity rises

The number of mortgage default notices sent to California homeowners increased during the first quarter of 2006, rising 23.4 percent from the fourth quarter of 2005, according to a recent report by DataQuick Information Systems.

Lending institutions sent default notices to more than 18,600 homeowners between Jan. 1 and March 31, up 28.7 percent when compared with the 14,501 default notices sent during the same period one year earlier.

Declining home appreciation rates impacted the rise in default activity during the first quarter, according to the report.

While nearly all regions of California experienced an increase in foreclosures, mortgage loans were least likely to go into default in the Bay Area and most likely in the Central Valley and Inland Empire.

**taken from the california association of realtors bulletin, dated may 17, 2006.

builder confidence declines to low last seen in 1995

The confidence level of the nation's home builders continues to decline in 2006, falling this month to its lowest reading since June 1995, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

The seasonally adjusted HMI stands at 45, down six points from April's revised reading of 51. An HMI above 50 indicates that more builders view sales conditions as good versus poor.

In the West, builder confidence declined eight points to a seasonally adjusted HMI of 61. According to NAHB, declining demand from investors, rising mortgage interest rates, and continued affordability issues all contributed to the decrease in builders' outlook for the new home market.

All three HMI components declined in May. The indices measuring current and future home sales both fell five points to 54 and 50, respectively, while the component gauging buyer traffic decreased seven points to 32. Home builder confidence edged down across the nation in May.

**taken from the california association of realtors bulletin, dated may 17, 2006.

new biz card

hi there!

how was your day?

here's my new business
card proof....
can't wait to get it out
since it has my new
email address on it!

going to be disconnecting
aol any day now...

am starting a new kind of internet marketing
tomorrow ~ we'll see how it goes.

still negotiating on darlene court and the
previous buyers may have a buyer for
their home.....yeah!

they worked on my backyard again
took all the extra dirt to the dump
and tomorrow they are finishing
removing roots/etc so they can
irrigate and then sod the grass
(plus add a little step of bricks)

omg, my eyes are burning
it's probably partly due to my
allergies, sometimes, i can be
allergic, and the other, just
trying to get so much done
all the time.

just placed two ads for this weekend:
one for turner and one for coca.
i hope to have both in escrow by
next week.

worked out some more details
(financing mainly) on diamond today.

did my first day of physical therapy
which was good.....very busy there!
wow....i have two very highly trained
therapists and feel comfy w/all there.

got a workout in early this am

well gotta run....boring life i lead, huh?

oh, worked on some stuff tonight
for an escrow i have in corona
that we're about two weeks into
and about two weeks away from
closing on....woohoo!
things are looking up.

will have to put pics of my
decoupage project when i can
to show you.....decided to keep
it ~ how could you not want to
when there are very "sentimental"
pics of you and your family on it!

what a great gift idear...night!!
todd

backyard revamp

hi there!
how's your week
going so far??

i went to the dr's today
to get a referral
appears that i have
tennis elbow.
(quickly approaching 40,
can i tell??? yup!)

got referred to a physical
therapist and start tomorrow
looking forward to it

friday is my sister's birthday
so maybe we'll get to do
something fun
whatever she wants!

here are some pics of my
backyard work, i'm currently
having done

they worked really hard today
and got all this dirt in the middle
pic out for pickup

then hopefully they will be
accomplishing alot tomorrow
so they can actually make my
backyard start looking better

they did alot so far
it's tough work digging up
10 years of growth on palm
trees that were about 20 ft
tall (see the stumps!) and
also the other plants' roots
that were in the planters


ordering new business cards

working on an offer on darlene

and also on getting coca sold

here's the link for coca
if you know anyone looking
for a nice city lights view
in alta loma under $800K?

- Listing # I617488

bye for now

MADONNA LINKS THANKS SEAN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrcrmBoHgPU


CLICK ABOVE COOLEST M MEGAMIX



CLICK BELOW FOR M GETTING HOT! FUNNY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlxcYKntW_k

decoupage project

morning!

how was your mother's day
weekend??

mine was great, lots going on
just had to get
a project that i'm doing for nonna
(my grandmother) done,
and didn't get to!

yikes!

she's 90 and doesn't really
know any better
and so this morning
have been working on
getting everything
together

i will try to show pics
it's really my first
project on my own
(yvonne showed me
a bit about a month
ago and did a few
stickers on my storage
trunk then)
but haven't really done
much to speak of

yvette is also going to
contribute pics
and hopefully nonna
loves it

happy day!

st. joseph for paul

here is the prayer
that you say
to help sell your home:

Glorious St. Joseph, You were chosen by God to be
The Father of Jesus.

You have been chosen by Christ's as Vicar as the
Heavenly Patron and Protector of the church
founded by Christ.

Dear St. Joseph, Accept the offering
I make to you.

Be my father, protector, and guide in the way of
salvation.

Obtain for me, purity of heart and love
for the spiritual life.

Pray for me that I share in the peace
and joy of your holy death.

Amen

thanx for your support, eric!!

had lunch with a very
bright and educated lender
last week....
oh, and did I say Honest???
he's that too!

Meet.....

ERIC OZOLS!!!!

Eric is formerly from
Wall Street and
has also lived in
San Francisco....
then returned to
his roots in
Sunny Southern
California.

He's professional, courteous
and has good old-fashioned
values and work ethic.

He's very approachable
and has a "no-nonsense"
style of taking care
of your mortgage needs.

He has lots of flexible
programs, even for those
with FICO scores under
650.

If you'd like a referral,
the buck stops here...
Call Eric!

I've known his brother for
years & luckily, have
recently met his
wonderful
Mom, Elsa.

Glad we met, too, Eric!

If you'd like to reach Eric:

Eric Ozols
Smart Money Mortgage

eric's cell:
951.436.8327

he'll take great care of you!

you can also email eric @

eozols@smartmoneymtg.com